Yeah, my original problem was shorting the outputs.
I am attending school so I have access to all of those. How do I check where the distortion is ocurring. I can see it but what is the best strategy for seeing what's causing it.
THanks,
Jeff
Well, assuming that it has finished letting out the magic smoke, you use your 'scope to work backwards stage by stage to where you find a signal that is good, at the proper levels and distortion free. Remember you have your sig-gen supplying a 1Khz tone at the proper level to the input and a dummy load on the output.
You can get an idea of what to look for from the working channel, both will be near identical. Then use your meter to measure the voltages to help narrow down the faults in each stage from that point, back towards the output. Repairing each stage as you go. When it's finally back up and running, soak test it for at least 24 hrs before you go plugging in your precious speakers.
Make sure that you run the output for a spell at different volume levels, your intention here is to stress the amplifier as it would be when in use. If it fails again, better it happens on the bench in a controlled environment.
If the problem is still causing the magic smoke to be released, fuses blowing etc, you will need to use your meter to find low resistances, most likely amongst the semiconductors, transistors and diodes etc. Anything you find to have an obvious fault, remove it from the circuit for the time being. Keep doing so until it stops smoking and no longer pops fuses, then fault find with your scope. Don't forget to note what went where, and it's orientation, i.e. what way round it was fitted, so you don't get it wrong when you replace the parts. As you repair each stage, measure your voltages as compared to the other channel, they should be pretty close to each other.
Readings can be compared to the components in the good channel.
This is by no means an exhaustive process, there are loads more things you could do etc, but it will get you most of the way there. A little luck, hopefully, will see you the rest of the way.
I don't need to mention that you need to be very careful whilst working on powered equipment etc, but I will, BE MINDFUL OF LETHAL VOLTAGES.
Oh, and do not short anything with the 'scope or meter probes
rgds